Is Rohypnol Addiction a Crime?

Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called flunitrazepam, a powerful sedative that depresses the central nervous system. Rohypnol is not legally available for use in theUnited States. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine with effects that include sedation, muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety and it prevents convulsions. It is used for short-term treatment of insomnia, as a pre-medication in surgical procedures and as an anesthetic.

About Rohypnol Addiction

The medication is sometimes referred to as the date-rape drug. Also called roofies, La roche, R2, Rib, Roach, Roofenol, Rope, Rophies, Ruffies and the forget pill, it causes people to have little to no memory about what occurs while under the effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rohypnol can produce physical and psychological dependence. In addition, Rohypnol addiction presents any of the following symptoms:

Memory loss or amnesia

Reduced sleep quality

Impaired speech and balance

Mood swings

Vomiting and headaches

Respiratory depression that can lead to coma

As with most drug addictions, the risk of overdose increases when consuming alcohol, taking opiates or mixing central nervous system depressants with Rohypnol.

Addiction and Crime

Rohypnol is a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substance Act. In theUnited States, it is illegal to manufacture, sell or use Rohypnol as it can easily produce physiological and psychological dependence and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. However, since the drug is legal in other countries, it is often smuggled into the states.

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy Drugs & Crime Clearinghouse Drugs and Crime Data, Rohypnol abuse and distribution were occasionally reported in the late 1980’s inFloridaand in the border areas ofTexas,ArizonaandCalifornia. However, by the end of 1995 Rohypnol abuse and distribution were documented by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 32 states primarily located in the southern and central regions of the country. On March 5, 1996, Customs began seizing all quantities of Rohypnol atUnited Statesborders based upon the advice of the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration.

Another reason that Rohypnol is illegal is because of its connection to sexual assaults and rapes. In 1996 the government passed the Drug Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act that states that any person who uses drugs in coordination with a sexual attack will receive harsher punishments, such as longer prison sentences or higher fines. Possessing the drug, without committing or conspiring to commit a further crime, is punishable by a fine and up to three years in prison.

Treatment for Rohypnol Addiction

Physical Rohypnol addiction requires medical help to wean addicts off the drug. Attempting to stop taking the drug without assistance can cause any of the following withdrawal symptoms:

Anxiety

Confusion

Irritability

Headache

Muscle aches

Restlessness

Increased sensitivity to light and sound

Therefore, if you are abusing Rohypnol, you need to seek help to quit using the drug.

Rohypnol Addiction Help

Recovering from Rohypnol is possible with proper medical supervision. If you or someone you know is addicted to Rohypnol, call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Rohypnol addiction treatment. We are here to help, so give us a call.

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